Christopher Sunday– April 26, 2025
voxnews.com.ng
Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, will be laid to rest today, leaving behind a legacy defined by humility, simplicity, and a radical break from centuries-old Vatican traditions.
From the very night of his election on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis made it clear he intended to live differently. While being dressed for his first public appearance, he surprised the Cardinals and Bishops present by refusing three key elements of the papal attire:
He declined the traditional red papal shoes, choosing instead to wear the simple black ones he had used as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He refused the gold pectoral cross, opting to retain the plain silver one he had worn previously. Lastly, he rejected the red velvet, ermine-trimmed mozzetta — a symbol of papal authority — calling it “royal.”
After greeting the crowd at St. Peter’s Basilica that night, Francis declined the limousine prepared for him, preferring to ride the bus back with the Cardinals. The next morning, when a bulletproof Mercedes-Benz was brought for his use, he again refused and instead traveled in a modest economy car. His first official visit was to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he prayed quietly and indicated it would be his final resting place — a wish being honored today.
Breaking further with tradition, Pope Francis chose not to live in the Apostolic Palace, which had housed Popes since the 17th century. Instead, he resided in the modest Casa Santa Marta guesthouse, living in three simple rooms similar to student dormitories.
His preference for modesty was not new. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he avoided elaborate clerical clothing, reused his predecessors’ garments, and even sold the official car of the archdiocese, giving the chauffeur another job. As a Cardinal, he continued to reject luxury, preferring public transport and cooking his own meals.
Throughout his papacy, he frequently spoke out against materialism among clergy, calling the use of luxury cars a “scandal” and a betrayal of the Church’s mission to serve the poor.
Today, as Pope Francis is laid to rest — the first in over 120 years to be buried outside St. Peter’s Basilica — he leaves behind a Church challenged to live with humility, mercy, and authenticity.
